Complete substrate change...bad for bio filter?

[STONEDFISH]

I've had my tank for almost five years with the same neon gravel.... I don't like it anymore and I'd like to change it to one color. Can I just drain half way and scoop all the gravel out? Then just clean the new gravel really well and add it? I do 50 percent water changes about once week since my tank is overstocked, so the fish are used to that. Will the new substrate wreak havoc on my water parameters?

STNDFSH!

 

[rallysman]

I have done 100%substrate switches with no problem
As long as you have adequate bio filtration, I think you'll be ok.

 

[hillbilly]

I recently changed 3 of my tanks over from gravel to sand with no problems either.

 

[StiffMeister]

same here, just go for it

 

[STONEDFISH]

THANKS! I going to get to work....

 

[davo]

yea its no problem

 

[Jesse]

I concur but w/ one caveat, which I doubt applies. If your primary means of biofiltration is an undergravel filter, where your substrate is essentially your bio media, then a complete substrate change would substantially affect your nitrifying bacteria culture. Otherwise, you should be fine. Yeah, I'm old enough to have used undergravel filters.

 

[RadleyMiller]

I concur but w/ one caveat, which I doubt applies. If your primary means of biofiltration is an undergravel filter, where your substrate is essentially your bio media, then a complete substrate change would substantially affect your nitrifying bacteria culture. Otherwise, you should be fine. Yeah, I'm old enough to have used undergravel filters.

As long as you don't have a UGF you should be good. If you have a Penguin, Emporer, AC, Canister or W/D then you should be fine. Care to share what is in the tank?

 

[Princley]

no big beal .. there is a chance of a bit of change but will come back fast .. no biggie as above said lone as u aint using a undergravel

 

[ewurm]

I would swap your gravel, then add a bacteria product, and you should be good.